LAURIE GOOCH, San Clemente
I do not anticipate writing any more letters for a long time.
I realized I was remiss in never thanking Councilmember Ward and resident Michelle Schumacher for their profound and extraordinary efforts in leading San Clemente to victory over the (proposed) toll road.
Since I recently thanked Mayor James, Councilmembers Ferguson and Knoblock for their leadership, it is only right that I thank Councilmember Ward’s for hers—even if extremely belatedly.
COVID-19 hit just as San Clemente emerged victorious over the Foothill/Eastern Transportation Corridor Agency (TCA). Celebration disrupted.
Countless San Clementeans banded together to defeat TCA’s effort to connect the existing 241 Toll Road to Interstate 5 via a route through our town. But for the leadership, focus and grit of Kathy Ward, who previously served as mayor, and resident Michelle Schumacher, victory would not be ours.
A belated yet ever heartfelt thank you to you both.